The seventh week of college football has arrived, and with it come several high-profile matchups.
Some of the best prospects in the nation will get their chance to prove their worth to NFL scouts this week, and this week’s games will see numerous heralded players going up against each other.
Here are five prospect matchups to watch for this week:
Texas A&M QB Kellen Mond vs. Alabama defense
Ever since joining Texas A&M in 2017, Kellen Mond has struggled against Alabama’s defense.
In his previous two games against the Crimson Tide, Mond has a combined two touchdowns, three interceptions, a 56 percent completion rate, and has been sacked 11 times. Inconsistency has been an issue in his game, but he has simply been unable to excel against Alabama.
Mond has shown some of the tools to be a Day 3 sleeper pick, with his arm strength, athleticism and sense of anticipation all apparent on tape. He is currently averaging a career-high 266.6 passing yards per game, and his completion percentage sits at 64.6. However, he has thrown an interception in all but one of his five games this year, and his decision making still needs some work.
Alabama’s defense will certainly provide a difficult challenge for Mond. With the likes of Raekwon Davis, Anfernee Jennings and Terrell Lewis up front, the Crimson Tide will look to pressure the quarterback all night long. Throw in a secondary featuring Trevon Diggs, Xavier McKinney and Shyheim Carter, and Mond could be in for a rough night if he struggles early on.
Minnesota WR Tyler Johnson vs. Nebraska CB Lamar Jackson
Minnesota has gotten off to an impressive 5-0 start to the season, and among the catalysts for that start is Tyler Johnson.
One year after catching 78 passes for 1,169 yards and 12 touchdowns, Johnson is off to a good start in 2019. The senior has 28 catches for 350 yards and five touchdowns through five games, and though he currently doesn’t lead the Golden Gophers in receiving yards, he leads them in receptions and has been a steady, consistent target.
Johnson’s top-notch route-running abilities and elusiveness in space will be especially needed this week, as he takes on Nebraska’s Lamar Jackson, who is starting to make a name for himself in draft circles.
Jackson has two interceptions and nine pass deflections through six games, the latter stat already topping his 2018 total of seven deflections. The 6-foot-3, 215-pounder is a long and physical defensive back who has improved his playing speed and diagnosed much quicker this season. He will need to lock down Johnson if he and the Huskers are going to be the first team to beat Minnesota this season.
Penn State EDGE Yetur Gross-Matos vs. Iowa’s offensive tackles
Yetur Gross-Matos broke out as one of the best edge rushers in the nation last year, and he has solidified that status with his play in 2019.
Through four games, Gross-Matos has tallied five sacks and seven tackles, serving as an anchor for Penn State’s defense. His 6-foot-5 frame, impressive athleticism and relentless motor have established him as a potential first-round pick in the 2020 draft.
This week, Gross-Matos faces the daunting task of going up against Iowa offensive tackles Tristan Wirfs and Alaric Jackson. Both players are seen as likely draft picks, with the former consistently placed among the top tackles in the class. Wirfs is a nimble yet menacing blocker with great functional strength and impressive athleticism, while Jackson is a 6-foot-7 behemoth with good grip strength.
Gross-Matos has wreaked havoc against opposing offensive tackles thus far, but Wirfs and Jackson are the toughest battles he’s faced to this point. It will be intriguing to see both sides battle it out on Saturday.
Wisconsin C Tyler Biadasz vs. Michigan State DL Raequan Williams
For those interested in seeing big men in the trenches do battle, Wisconsin vs. Michigan State will feature two of the best interior linemen on both sides of the ball.
Tyler Biadasz potentially could have been a first-round pick in 2019, and his play so far this season is ensuring he gets drafted early next April. A fluid and intelligent athlete with top-notch hand placement and pad level, he is a polished blocker who has very few glaring holes in his game. He was the anchor of a loaded Wisconsin offensive line last year as a redshirt sophomore, and his play has helped lead Jonathan Taylor to another stellar year in 2019.
Across him on Saturday will be Raequan Williams, who has been a reliable run defender for Michigan State since entering the starting lineup full-time in 2017. He is a longer interior defender at 6-foot-4 who uses his hands effectively, timing his powerful strikes and getting inside hand placement on his blockers. He has been flashing potential as a pass rusher this season, too, tallying a career-high 3.5 sacks in six games at the nose tackle spot.
The Spartans will need to limit Taylor to the best of their abilities if they want to upset the Badgers this week. The matchup between Biadasz and Williams could be a big factor in how big of a night the running back has.
LSU WR Justin Jefferson vs. Florida CB C.J. Henderson
Arguably the biggest game of Week 7 is LSU vs. Florida: two teams ranked in the top-10 looking to rise up even further in the rankings. Among the best prospect matchups in Death Valley will be Justin Jefferson and C.J. Henderson.
Jefferson has had a fantastic start to the 2019 season, catching 30 passes for 547 yards and seven receptions in five games. A fluid and elusive wideout with great ability after the catch, he has been Joe Burrow’s favorite target in the midst of his rise to becoming a first-round target. His 6-foot-3, 192-pound frame gives him a size advantage over opposing defensive backs, and his body control makes him a tough weapon to cover.
Henderson is currently nursing an ankle injury, but he is likely to play Saturday night. As one of the best cover corners in the country, his hip fluidity, straight-line speed and willingness to battle it out in physical catch situations has made him a potential first-round prospect in the eyes of some. Listed at 6-foot-1, his length will match up well against the lanky Jefferson.
When two SEC powerhouses march onto the field, you know that the action will feature a handful of potential NFL prospects. Jefferson and Henderson will get the chance to each prove themselves to front offices in their matchup.
